Defenseman Carl Gunnarsson announced his retirement Wednesday after playing 12 NHL seasons and scoring one of the biggest goals in St. Louis Blues history.
After hitting the post late in regulation in Game 2 of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final, Gunnarsson memorably told Blues coach Craig Berube in the bathroom at intermission, “I just need one more.” He scored 3:51 into overtime to tie the series against the Boston Bruins, and the Blues went on to win their first championship.
Blues general manager Doug Armstrong called Gunnarsson a “consummate professional” who has played well for St. Louis the past seven seasons.
The 34-year-old Swede had his 12th season in North America cut short by a knee injury in February. Gunnarsson said his rehab and recovery are on schedule to the point he could probably play by November but decided to hang up his skates instead.